Isle of Man (July 2025) Dive Trip Report

This July, seven of Reading BSAC divers headed to the Isle of Man for a week of diving, and it turned out to be nothing short of spectacular. We were lucky enough to be diving with Isle of Man Dive Charters, and from start to finish the trip was brilliantly run, relaxed, and absolutely packed with underwater highlights.

The weather played its part too. Calm seas and sunshine for most of the week made for some absolutely beautiful days out on the water (especially when joined by Risso’s dolphins). The dive centre setup was great, with proper space to store our kit, a warm indoor area to relax and refuel between dives, and an endless supply of tea (crucial!).

Sunset over Port Erin

But it was, of course, mostly about the diving and the Isle of Man delivered big time. We kicked things off at Kione Ny Halby, a scenic dive on the east of the Calf of Man with great vis that set the tone for the rest of the week. From there, we moved on to Creg y Jaghee. Lots of nooks & crannies in and around huge boulders to discover.

The Burroo was up next and what a site that was. This is often hailed as one of the best dive sites in the Irish Sea, and after spending time there, we can see why. Towering vertical walls plunge into deep water, creating a dramatic underwater landscape filled with ledges, gullies and overhangs. The visibility was excellent, the light streamed down beautifully, and the marine life was absolutely thriving. Jewel and Plumose anemones carpeted the rock faces in vibrant reds, purples and oranges, while shoals of fish darted through the clear water. We even decided to return on a couple more occasions to experience new parts of it and it was like diving a completely new site. Full of surprises, teeming with life, and bursting with colour. It’s a site that truly lives up to its reputation, and one we’d go back to again in a heartbeat.

Amazing colours of the Burroo!

Later in the week, we dived Sugarloaf Caves, a site with stunning cathedral-like chambers where natural light lit up the walls in glowing blues and greens. A truly unique diving experience.The Stacks and Skerranes gave us more rocky drama and a huge variety of marine life, with every surface covered in life: sponges, sea squirts, and anemones layered like abstract artwork. The kelp forests were full of life too, with crabs, nudibranchs, and scorpionfish hiding in plain sight.

The exit of sugarloaf caves

Wreck fans were also spoiled. The Afton was a true highlight exploring her broken structure, surrounded by marine life and steeped in history, was something special. We saw lobsters casually out for a walk, free swimming congers, and plenty of curious wrasse. Vis was amazing, I might have already mentioned that! We also dived the SS Citrine, another fascinating wreck full of life. We saw lobsters and crabs tucked deep into crevices, tompot blennies looking very shy, and many, many fish.

In contrast, Amulty was a cracking reef dive, with striking underwater topography, excellent visibility, and life packed into every nook and gully. Seals even came out to say hello.

Towards the end of the week, we wrapped up with a stunning drift from Spanish Head to Black Head. A fast-moving ride through dramatic underwater scenery and a perfect way to close out the trip.

It’s safe to say the diving here is some of the best we’ve experienced in the UK. The variety of sites, the stunning visibility, and the sheer abundance of marine life made every day an adventure.

Barrell jellyfish on the safety stop

When we had some spare time, we also made time to explore the island itself. From the historic steam railway and the electric tram up Snaefell (with views across to England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales), to rugged coastal walks and beautiful sandy beaches, the Isle of Man gave us plenty to enjoy.

In the evenings, we refuelled and relaxed back at our comfortable diving house. Some of us tucked into a hearty home-cooked Sunday roast, while on other nights we couldn’t resist the fresh local seafood from excellent fish and chips to traditional Manx kippers. The food was a great, and Les’s homemade fruit cake and jams were a real treat. 

Sunday roast

Massive thanks to the two Mikes. Mike from Reading BSAC for organising the trip and Mike from the Isle of Man Dive Charters for making it such a smooth, welcoming and brilliantly trip. We’re already talking about going back.

By Tanya

Dive sites of the week